The Benefits of Transracial Adoption
There are so many negative stigmas revolving around transracial adoption. Sometimes, it is hard to sort through all the negative posts you find online. However, here at Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we know that a lot of these stories are untrue and biased. Thus, for this week, we wanted to discuss the benefits of transracial adoption. Hopefully, with these benefits, it will help take away from all those negative stigmas and show a new perspective of unconditional love.
The Benefits of Transracial Adoption
- Raising in a Diverse and Inclusive Environment
Having adoptive parents who are a different race than your child gives a different perspective on life. In raising a child with multiple cultures in mind, they get an opportunity to experience culture in a unique way, expanding their worldview. Also, they are more willing to be kind and inclusive to those around them. While the world is much more open than it was 100 years ago, there are still some prejudices when it comes to people of different ethnic backgrounds. However, in a transracial adoption, all are shown that unconditional love and support.
- Getting Rid of Stigmas
There are unfortunately a lot of negative stigmas surrounding transracial adoption. However, most of the stigmas and stereotypes out there are not only biased but also not true. It is so easy to get lost in that rabbit hole of internet searches and find so much negative thinking. However, sometimes you just have to take a step back and experience it for yourself. In a transracial adoption, you are shattering the stigmas surrounding adoption and helping show people that anyone could adopt any race without prejudice.
- Creating New Connections
When adopting from another ethnic group, you might recognize new cultures and communities that you would not visit normally. It is really important that you work to understand your child’s heritage if it is different from your own. In doing so, you might find a new restaurant you really like, or visit a festival you never would have thought about before. This creates new connections in your community as you explore and try new places.
- Embracing New Traditions
In reaching out to new communities, you also might try new traditions. In culturally diverse households, recognizing traditions is an important aspect of helping the child understand where they are from. Whether that is celebrating holidays on their own, or melding traditions from all sides for the holiday, it is up to you to find that balance. However, it should not be looked at as a challenge or feel like an obligation to do. Rather, think about the fact that you are expanding your cultural horizons, and learning more about the ways others live.
- Learning More About Life
Finally, when you adopt from another ethnic group, it teaches you a lot about life. This can be said about any adoption process. However, transracial adoptions are especially important because you learn more about cultures and about a different way of life. Sometimes, we get so stuck in our little bubble of functionality that we do not take the chance to stop and appreciate other cultures (or sometimes even acknowledge their existence). With transracial adoption though, it is an incredible opportunity to learn more about the world (and people) around us.
Love is Love
At the end of the day, love is love. It doesn’t matter where you fall with race, class, gender, sexual identity or any other categories. The fact that you are ready to adopt anyone of any ethnic background shows a huge amount of compassion and love for all life. Ignore all the stigmas. Ignore all the prejudices you might face. The fact of the matter is you are choosing to open your home to someone who might not be your blood, but you will still love nonetheless.
At Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we know that love is love. We will be here to help you every step of the way. If you ever have any questions, or wish to discuss transracial adoption more, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process. If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
You may visit our website here or call toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777
or Text: 405-310-8790
Meet the Author: Hannah Carlsward is an aspiring journalist and photographer. She is currently a senior at Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL., where she studies journalism with minors in American Sign Language and Media Studies. Hannah loves connecting the world through her photography and stories, and loves showing people a new perspective on the world around them.
She aspires to continue in both writing and photography in the future, hopefully combining the two with the work she does. When she is not taking photos, she can always be found on some kind of adventure. She loves exploring the world and sharing it with others. You can see more of her work on her Instagram and her website.
